Crew21_Adv

gnnennell, Greetings! Roundtable is not only suppose to be "One of the Best Shows in Town", its suppose to be "The Only Show in Town". I believe that is the statement in the Roundtable Training guide. Everyone has told you to add program, add material that they do not perform or possess in their units. That is the biggest draw. Before we commence with skill, my roundtable leads audience participation or action songs. At least they're energized by the time we begin the practical application. Many years ago, about half of the Cub Scouters would go out for pizza and laugh for hours, after Roundtable dismissed. I don't think our kids got any home work done that night of the month. But the bottom line is, you can only offer the best Roundtable. In today's microwave era (have it quick and have it fast), I know many adult leaders that desire a drive by Roundtable. I've seen a few emails stating, don't tell me anything extra, just highlight points on the important parts. If Scouters want to come and attend, they will find a way. Good Luck in increasing attendance! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

ManyHats, Greetings again! Sounds like the Paul Harvey's radio show, "And Now for the Rest of the Story". I am glad that the Tiger Cub did a good deed, but I am even more at rest that an actual customer realized they were at a loss. Again, I can humorously imagine a stampede after a public service announcement in a large store "If anyone lost a hundred dollar bill, please come to the customer service to obtain your 100 dollars". Good Deed for the Tiger Cub still!!! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Greetings! I considered posting in the previous thread Scouting As a Program for Adults, but withheld. I could not find it on Scouting.org, but on some council webpages you can find that Cub Scouting is a Family Based Program. Cub Scouting seems to be about 75 percent of our population. On the Scouting webpage, there is a recent flyer "Scouting Builds More Than Just Campfires". On page two it states Scouting Builds Families (along with Character, Values, and Community). Though there is not much literature, that states it. The Scouting Advancement program is for the boys (and Venturing/Explorer girls), but I personally feel that the width of Scouting is for the whole family. http://www.scouting.org/filestore/pdf/34582.pdf Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

ManyHats, Greetings! I'm very glad that the Tiger Cub did the right thing and committed a good turn. But putting on my skeptic hat on for a little while. Did he find the rightful owner? Mall Security? A Police Officer? or the Lowe (Menards) store customer service? I would hope that the rightful owner who dropped it, received it back. Or even a police officer would commit it toward the local police charity. But a mall security or a store customer service, I am critical. At least with the store customer service, it would probably be added to their nightly profits. A wallet of money. Much easier. There should be plenty of IDs for the entire wallet to be returned to the rightful owner. Who cares about the amount, the victim is readily identified. Don't get me wrong. It is a good deed by this Tiger Cub. I just hope the recepient handled it appropriately. Now on the humorous side. I know one of my Eagle Scout sons, would have picked it up. The first thing he would do is ask a nearby customer if they have dropped anything. He is an honest guy. But in an empty parking lot, if there were no other customers around, he would have whispered ever so quietly "did anyone happen to drop this small bill?" (I would type in smaller font, if I could). Back to my opinion. I would highly recognize him for his honesty and good deed. But I would warn him about whom the appropriate recepient is. If it ends with the absolute lack of any identifiable or valid victim, then the Cub Scout Pack may be a very good community based program to donate 100 dollars towards. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Basement, Greetings! That's a good question. Here is just another one for our forum members to ponder. How do married adults tent on Cub Family outings? Looking around, there is some guidance from BSA on this issue. http://scouting.org/scoutsource/HealthandSafety/GSS/gss01.aspx Under Leadership Requirements for Trips and Outings 7. Male and female leaders must have separate sleeping facilities. Married couples may share the same quarters if appropriate facilities are available. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

ScoutmasterBradley, Greetings! I'm reading this post late, but if I may provide my thoughts. Again these are my own opinions. The news of a 16 y/o girl becoming pregnant can be shocking. It will affect her maturity, family balance, and education. As well as educational and character development groups like Venturing, Church and other social experience groups. I don't envy your situation. To answer your questions first. Can we deny or revoke the membership or leadership status of youth (or even an adult) for such a thing? Yes. The unit leader (Cubmaster, Scoutmaster or Advisor) can request youth membership be removed from the charter with the Council Registrar. The COR can request adult membership be removed from the charter with the Council Registrar. It is possible, but your committee should be positive this is the best resolution. How should I and the other adult leaders go about addressing the issue with these parents, this young woman, and the other members in our crew? Either way. If she remains explain to her, her expectations as a member and as a leader. If the committee absolutely decides to release her membership, explain factually why she is not compatible with your own Crews program. Now for my concerns/opinions. At face value, I myself would advocate to keep this youth and family in the Crew. Paraphrasing from G2SS Chapter one, A Scout can be released from membership if he(she) become a danger to other Scouts. Bullying, selling narcotics, cigarettes, alcohol, recorded juvenile offenses by local police, are obviously a dangerous path. Making questionable moral choices or becoming sexually active at an early age with adolescent sexual intercourse, that would be more difficult to define if it is a danger to other Venturers. Did the young lady make the choice to have sexual intercourse? Yes. Was she making good character development decisions? Probably not. Is the young lady responsible? Well now she probably is more responsible. There have been other Boy Scouts throughout the BSA that have made some bad decisions, few are in youth institutions which allow Scouting within their walls; and those Scouts are allowed to follow the Scouting path and pursue Eagle. Now, your Crew Committee and COR will have to decide if her character is a danger to her fellow Venturers. Also, a Scouting unit is chartered with a sponsoring partner. They have their own guidelines. I have known CORs that have asked membership to attend certain churches. I have known other Community Associations CORs that required residence within that community. Scouts and parents residing in neighboring communities were not allowed to join a pack/troop, because the COR would revoke the charter with the unit if they provided resources to families from neighboring communities. The first agreement paragraph of the annual charter agreement states "Conduct the Scouting program according to its own policies and guidelines as well as those of the Boy Scouts of America." Not only can a COR/IH assist in determining if the youth is a danger and should be removed or if the youth had a lapse in moral character and should be retained. The COR may have additional "own policies and guidelines" even more rigid than the BSA, and may determine removal regardless of the Crew Committees decisions. Now. My concerns on how should you and other adult leaders go about addressing the issue. Be factual and be a Scouter, should sum it up. Did she violate policies and guidelines? Can these violatations be resolved, or not resolved? What are the expectations if she remains? What are the character development recommendations if she is released? Those are the specific Q&A I would expect. Dragging in hearsay or slander would not benefit anyone, but being factual, well the truth hurts sometimes. Good luck and hopefully she can build on her character and there is still room for this young lady (plus 1) in your Crew. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Greetings! Regarding District Directors. Here are descriptions from the Scouting.org site. http://www.scouting.org/scoutsource/Media/LOS/positions.aspx Although this is "wikipedia" and anyone can edit it, it links to some reliable sources. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Professional_Scouter_(Boy_Scouts_of_America) Most Scouting professionals wear the patch of their hired position and payscale. I've seen and met a few paid professionals that wore different standard patches, with few similarities to their responsibility and payscale. The last and only time I've met District Directors, was during National Camp School. Only two District Directors out of the group were present, everyone else were various DE or Volunteer. I swear they wore a District Director patch, which brought up alot of conversations about their patch and position in Scouting. Two were from small island nations which contract/purchase the BSA program (as well as the GSUSA program) as one of their smaller national youth education programs. At least for those "District Director", they were associated with the council but their paycheck came from their own national budget. It was neat to have met these fellow Scouters, but now I guess their position patch may not have exactly matched their true position in the professional payscale or job description. Now, if I may comment briefly on the topic of DEs and DDs without getting too much into functions and payscale debates. I recall just over a year ago, National and the four Regional staffs re-organized, streamlined and asked some eligible professionals to retire early. Nationally, there is an annual program conference, I believe usually in May, which debuts new programs, national officers are sworn in and national awards are presented. I understand shortly after the national re-organization but before the 2009 annual conference, national hosted their third ever national "all call" for professionals. I'm not priveledged to the information, but I expect it had motivational new program topics as well as more serious "more with less", "measure up, or move out", and "shuffle the deck" topics. District Executives (and District Directors) are the paid part of a District team, as individuals they can only do so much. That being said, with recent motivation I hope District Executives performance grows to the extent of their ability. They cannot do everything within a district, but if they are not doing anything it may be time to seek another suitable profession. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

afscout, Greetings! You have received some really good advice. One of my first thoughts is similar to boomerscout's. In other circumstances with trouble-making scouts I have heard, "Every boy can sure need Scouting, but Scouting doesn't need every boy". Changing tracks slightly. Boy Scouting is not the only youth program out there. I believe it is the best, but there are also religious, character and sports groups just for youth; Sunday School, Little League, Girls and Boys Club, 4H, etc, etc. etc. Anyone of those programs may be a better fit for this young Cub Scout and parent. For a majority of the Scouts I've met, they have remained in the program for a few years (if not all the way along the trail). But each year, I've lost a few new Scouts. Disappointingly, they found something else or we just didn't satisfy their needs. A handful of Scouts walk away each year. Nothing hostile, they are just taking a different path to maturity. I even know of a few "Social Scouts". They love to camp, they get a kick out of hanging with their friends. But darnit, they will never bring their handbook or even think about cracking open a merit badge pamphlet. They take months off for football, baseball and track; but will always return for a couple of months at a time. As much as you and maybe other leaders have offered to help the parent, I think the parent will take or at least send their Cub Scout to meetings, if they understand that is what their son wants. I would only recommend that other Cubs befriend him at school, community playground, and sports. If the boy enjoys hanging with his friends, he will want to be with his friends during Den Meetings. Ask the den if they remember their friend? and ask them if they've said hi to him during lunch or recess? Maybe he will return, and ask his mother if he can attend, if Cub Scouts is where his best friends are at. Good Luck! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

dennis99ss, Greetings! Enforce sounds like a strong and harsh word. My troop demonstrates the structure to the newest PL's. By hosting a semiannual TLT, we also send at least one Scout to NYLT, were the model a PLC each day. Also, we issue them Troop guidebooks, and Patrol Leader Handbook/Senior Patrol Leader Handbook. We use the sample agenda from inside these handbooks. The meeting agenda seem to work fine. Granted, our PLC meetings are an hour and a half. Probably one hour more than the actual business. Regarding designated ASM. Yeah, my troop sorta does. If the patrol wants to do just the basic minimum, plan a menu, collect dues, etc. The ASM is much more relaxed. If the patrol decides they want to pursue the honor patrol emblem and recognition, the ASM steps up a little more to make sure the PL has all their resources, finances, vehicles, etc. I would say that my troop is boy led, with adult interaction. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Scoutfish, Neat idea! I loved the Little Rascals movie. Course I was falling off the couch watching The Brady Bunch and The Cone Heads movies, since every joke was a re-hash of the same sitcom joke 20-30 years earlier. Years ago, I chaired a District PWD. I knew that the Cubs had short attention spans (heck my attention span is short). I held the PWD in a car dealership showroom. When the Cub families arrived the cars were surrendered, they were "impounded" and the registration immediately traded then with a "match box" car. Before the final heats, the Police Department showed up with the DARE car, sirens, horns and light shows. And during the races, I had a popular childrens movie running on a big screen in the corner of the show room, for those that couldn't sit and watch other heats or races. (though the Little Rascals movie would have been perfect) Some parents thought it was in bad taste to have a popular kids movie playing in the corner during the races, but to me it occupied their time for the 4-5 hour morning, when they were not racing. Hopefully your PWD Drive In catches on! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

RANBOW, Greetings! I'll echo Pack212Scouter. It was decent. I like the Alex Boye "Be A Scout" song, I believe the Scouts enjoy it. As for the movie, it was slightly humorous. The first (and maybe the last) time I watched it, was leading into our video game / dodge-ball lock in; and following our TLT and Annual Planning Seminar. To compare it, against a couple of other choices. After a long week and long evening we started the video at 10 p.m., then this movie put me to sleep. We voted for "Scout Camp, The Movie", since it was a new movie; over "Follow Me Boys" and "Down and Derby". I think the whole troop thought it was humorous at most, but regretted not choosing "Down and Derby" instead. So.. The song is fun. The movie is okay, and maybe worth putting on your shelf of Scouting tools. But I wouldn't give the movie away as a Christmas gift. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Sheilab and Clemlaw, Yeah.. Sorry for hijacking the thread and getting off topic a little. Just blowing off steam. I have a parent, that has legitimate questions, but doesn't attend Crew Officer/Committee meetings, where finance reports are given. But he wants an answer now. I think this parent is wondering why I receive checks from the Crew, which is explained during Crew meetings. I don't think this parents understands, that when Venturers (and their parents) pay to register for an event, within hours before midnight of the cutoff. That the Postal Service just doesn't work that fast, and someone needs to "electronically" front the money on behalf of the Crew. Also... When the Venturers ask to go to the paintball range, our local ranges do not offer a target shoot; they are competitive combat paintball ranges. Those are the only type for miles, and that is what I say No to. But my feedback from one parents, is that I don't listen to the youth. I serious have no idea what he is talking about. The only thing I've said "no" to for the past few years, is going to the paintball range to shoot at each other. Good Questions. But the parent seems confrontational, and probably has already made up his mind to remove his teenager from our Crew. I think the parent is just trying to blame it on our Crew program, to make it easier on their teens questions. Back on topic. Yeah. I know of a few examples, not only my own; of when its just has been easier to filter Scout money thru a personal account. A few contributing factors are; timing, bank location, banking officer hours, etc. But that is the reason why finance reports are provided and audits are done. I guess Im a trusting person, but as the saying goes Trust, but verify Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21_Adv

sheilab, Is there a rule. No. There are sometimes when members will do what they need to do , to have their unit program proceed along. I am having a similar issue right now. A parent, that does not attend any crew or committee meetings is asking to review the Crews purchases. That information is distributed and reviewed during committee, but this parent desires the information now. Further, I can recognize the life of a teenager, plus I know many of these parents. Council and District events usually require 2,3, and 4 months (sometimes longer) reservations and deposits. Venturers and parents will wait till the last day (let me state, last evening) to commit and pay a deposit. So what does that mean to me. No matter how many times I've said register and pay, or were not going. I am usually making last minute paypal transfers via my online account, and asking the treasurer for re-imbursement checks. Its not fun, but I know a few other unit leaders that experience the same thing, when they pay upfront and are re-imbursed by their units, just to complete a registration. So what does that make the checking account look like. Since most commitments are literally hours or minutes from the registration deadline. I approach my Venturing Crew with my receipts, and request re-imbursement. Half the time my crew checking account is writing checks to the council, half the time the crew is writing checks to me. After a few long emails answering this family's questions. I also illustrated program dates versus registration date cutoff. I've also been told that I don't allow the Venturers to do, what they want to do. I think if the parents actually drill down to what I say "no" to, it is probably the continuous paint ball requests. The conversation is usually. Sorry, No, for the ___th time, we cannot go to the paint ball range. Rules,, G2SS, Blah, blah, blah. But we can go to the pistol range, rifle range, shotgun range or archery range Then I hear from a parent or two (which do not attend meetings or training), You are not listening to what the Venturers want to do. I expect this one family will pull their Venturing teenager out of the program. Good teenager. But I expect they are just looking to blame it on the crew leadership, rather than telling their teen that they just don't want to drive to a meeting. So.. Similar to your units situation. My crew's money should go to the crew's bank account each time (just like their dues), and the crew should right a check to council. But that just cannot happen in the 11th hour before registration deadline. (actually 8-9 p.m., before a midnight deadline) So I do what needs to be done. Good luck. Hopefully this years popcorn kernel will distribute the money accordingly, even though it may have been processed thru her personal account. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Mike and Fellow Scouters, Greetings! I am responding to this post late. There have already been many beneficial suggestions given to mike about how to handle this process. I'd only like to comment and respond back to Perdidochas on my interpretation. (and BTW Perdidochas, Im not picking on you; Im just asking you and others to re-read Mikes post from another perspective) Mike stated - there is no issue with either myself or the parents disagreeing with the decision Perdidochas asked - If you agree that the BOR did the right thing, why did you let him proceed to the BOR in the first place? I don't believe Mike was stating that he agrees with or that he endorses the Board's decision. My own interpretation is that Mike and the parents are accepting of the Board's decision. (Otherwise, why have a board of review at all?) Although the double negatives "no issue" and "disagreeing", may seem the opposite, as if they fully and completely agree that the Scout is not ready for Life Scout before he entered the BOR. But I interpret it as acceptance, that the board was not unanimous in seeing this young pass ready for the responsibility of Life Scout. Now.. Like many fellow forum members have recommended, the board should have provided areas of improvement and steps to achieve their expected knowledge and performance of a Life Scout. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

SSScout and Fellow Scouters, Greetings! Yeah.. I received that email advertisement not only once, but twice. I thought even the advertisement flier was pretty cheaply done, with blurry photos, etc. I just wonder how (or thru what network) the advertiser obtained my email. If it were a council, or district, or even a unit that was selling Summit "groundbreaking" patches (or patch set) for just a few extra dollars above cost; well maybe I would think about it for two seconds. But for bottles of dirt, No; It didn't take a second to hit the delete button. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

BluejacketScouter, Greetings! Yeah.. I think the "official" is kinda limiting, as our fellow Forum members have stated. But the unofficial does add something to talk about. Anytime someone post a topic similar to extra patches on the wool red jackshirt, it gets me thinking about a popular comedy movie. I can't remember what he had on it, but I still think its humorous in the movie Stripes, that Bill Murray had a BSA red wool jackshirt on, with his council CSP on the shoulder. I think the character had a few more patches, but I thought the CSP was funny and smart addition.. So, that being said. Unofficially, I would say, "go for it". It may be a topic for a Scoutmaster conference or just a discussion piece some day. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

BklynEagle, Greetings! There really is not a rule that covers this. Even selling commercial products in uniform, actually comes from the backside of the Money Earning Project Application. Its only a action of bad taste or tact. For Example. Similar to myself running for a political position in the town or state, but campaigning during the Scoutmasters minute. I could be the best person for Governor, but the boys are not really signed up as Scouts to learn about my policies and campaign platform. I don't see any harm done. Rather than a waste of time and bad taste directing a sales pitch towards the wrong audience. Now... on the flip side. You have said, you've heard it thru the "grapevine". Rumors are rarely a valid way to pass information, most of the time they are opinion-based and damaging. We really don't know what the Scoutmaster will say during the next meeting. Perhaps he/she may discuss Environmental Science or Soil and Water Conservation, or even Leave No Trace, because the Scoutmaster works in that profession (as asked on the Merit Badge Counselor Information form; vocation, avocation, special training). So, probably holding a regular PLC and/or regular committee meeting, to find out what the monthly and weekly agenda will be. Also, the PLC should have possible lesson plan (or troop program features) so the parents and committee would satisfy any concerns. Good Luck! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Fellow Scouters, Greetings! I commented in the previous inappropriate posting, but I have something more to add. I had a Scouting friend that would not play any other game or inter-patrol activity, other than those published in the Woods Wisdom and Program Features. His opinion was that any game not published by BSA would make him liable for any injury, and any activity that was published by BSA if following the rules, would remove him from any injury liability. IMHO, some Scouters get too wrapped up with "inappropriate". I've staffed and chaired many SMF and then IOLS, and I've staffed a few WB, WB21C, and NYLT courses. In about the late 80's, a circular started to make it rounds about grey areas. By the late 90's, it could be found on a few amateur Scouting webpages, but not on the national BSA website. Then by the publish date of the newest WB21C, IOLS, and NYLT the mysterious grey areas were written into the syllabus. At least that was the first time I've seen grey areas published in national BSA literature. I have Scouting friends, that have gone a little beyond their boundaries and misquoted the grey areas of Scouting. They would stand in front of training sessions and campfires and say "BSA absolutely forbids!!!", "These skits, songs are against all the BSA rules!!", and "BSA will kick you out, if you allow this skit". They state that it is BSA literature, and these specific rules will not be violated or severe BSA punishment will fall upon the adult leader in charge. This is the point I disagree with many long time friends. During my training sessions, I try to quote the introduction paragraph to the grey areas nearly the way they are written (and I don't have a copy in front of me right now). But I state, "It is recommended not to allow these skits, songs, etc". The key word is recommended. It is sound guidance for a reason, but it is not an absolute law. I also give my newest friends and learners my own opinion and caveat it as Crew21_Adv'ism, so they understand it is my opinion and not BSA literature. I tell them, if you allow a skit, song or story to be presented at a campfire or COH, youd better be a good adult or SPL and be prepared to say some apologies if you offend any attendees. They are welcome to take my advice or not; and they can stick to the BSA Sparklers and Boy Scout song book and go no further if they desire. But they learn that there are grey areas, the grey areas can be interpreted differently, and guidelines recommend to avoid these areas, but doesnt absolute forbid them. So, what point am I trying to make. It is normally the Campfire host that should determine what is good and what becomes questionable. Then even if a questionable event occurs during the campfire, the Campfire host should be responsible for apologizing and settling the mood after any unfortunate event. As a final note. As a recent Camporee Chair, I disapproved my own Venturing Crew's skit, even after the camporee SPL and the Camporee "Scoutmaster" approved it. I was shocked with their spin on an already risqu skit I've never been fond of. They are still pretty good Venturers with a brief lapse of moral judgment, they did improvise and come up with an audience participation song shortly afterwards, which the audience laughed and roared over. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21_Adv(This message has been edited by Crew21_Adv)

Fellow Scouters, Greetings! I have a similar view as dg98adams, if you can do it in front of your parents or church, it should pass the test. I feel like I've seen a wide range of skits, from non offensive with adults over reacting, to extremely offensive and adults acting appropriately. I have known a few Scout leaders that were too prudish, and publicly admonish and ridiculed Scouts for "Singing in the rain" with the chorus about sticking your tongues out, because it humiliated people with Down Syndrome. I also, seen the skit Gut Buster Motorcycle Club (or giant mosquitoes), were the SPL after being wakened by Tommy Tenderfoot character, came out of the imaginary tent, and let some actual profanities fly. The patrol was onstage (or in front of the fire) for about 5 more seconds, before staffers pulled them off quickly. With this "Cool and Creamy". Some of the skits and songs have different variations. My Troop/Crew has used the similar song with the Camp Director (already knowingly) as the target of this song/skit. Instead of Cool and Creamy, it was All You Eatta (Sounds like Et'a). or a camp version of the original French Children's Song "Alouette". http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alouette_(song) Telling everyone how our Camp Director is a messy eater in the chow hall, and every time he eats, he gets food all over himself. As the song leader points to the Camp Director. Although there is no food or mess applied to the "victim". For example... The finale would be like... Did he get some on his Chin? Yes he got some on his chin! ON his chin? On his chin! On his shirt? ON his shirt! On his pants? ON his pants! On his shoes? On his Shoes! Look at that? Look at that! All he et? All he et! Ohhhhhhh All he eta, look at all he eta, All he eta, look at all of that! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21_Adv

Fellow Scouters, I've gotten a kick out of "If I Were Not a Boy Scout", especially once when only two older Scouts did about 12 parts. During each adding chorus, they would run behind the other Scout to the other side, just in time for their chorus stanza. For Cub Scouts, something a little more easier I usually like, Train Tracks. Two Den leaders are arguing Bear Tracks, No, Wolf Tracks, No, .... Then the Cub Den walk right infront of the two leaders, first boy carrying a flash light, and the boys saying "choo Choo" Then both Den Leaders agree "Train Tracks!". Most recently, a new spin on an older skit. I recently saw the Firing Squad. They go thru the acting of stating these 4-5 men have committed crimes and must be executed by Firing Squad. First prisoner stands opposite of the firing squad and just after "Ready! Aim!" yells "Tornado!". Then the firing squad scrambles, while the prisoner runs away. Okay, so its an old skit. Just a few weeks ago, the third prisoner comes up and after "Ready, Aim"; the third prisoner yells. "H1N1 (covers his face) Achoo!, Achoo!, Achoo!" Then runs away. I think the adults at the camporee nearly fell over laughing so hard; we just weren't expecting it. We continued laughing at it, I don't even think we heard what prisoner 4 said, before prisoner 5 said "Fire". Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21_Adv

IM_Kathy, Greetings! I don't think you have much to worry about, the ceremony is standard. But may take on slightly different appearances. There are protected topics within this forum, but non-OA members can regularly get access to those topics. So, I'll say this in the open. Even a visitor or parent that does not enter the ceremony, will see this at the parking lot, long house or dining hall in preparation for moving the candidates to the ceremony. There are two times when you should see a rope. Usually, it is a slow walk to the ceremony, with your hand on the person (Scout or adult) in front of you, and another scout's/adult's hand on your shoulder. I've seen the rope used in about three different methods. Sometimes there is a rope and the all the participants just hold onto it (the participant is not bound, but they are holding the rope). Other times, there is a large loop tied every two feet, and participants are told to casually hold onto their loop. Finally, I've see the participant's hand placed thru the loop and gripping the rope. (Even on those occasions, when the participant's hand was strung thru the loop, it was so loose, it would be like wearing a basketball hoop for a bracelet. I really dont expect it will have any harmful reaction or affect any PTSD. Finally, the Lodge Advisor is there to guide and assist the Lodge Chief and youth staff, the Advisor is there to reassure the Ordeal is a safe event. The Lodge Advisor should be able to fully explain any safety concerns. The ordeal is an event of cheerful service; it is demanding work, in as much as any candidate is physically capable. But it is not torturous, scary, or demeaning. I expect you will have a good time, learn a little about yourself, and be proud of your work and the trust and honor the Scouts and Committee places on you by the next day. So, if you still have any additional questions. Like our fellow Arrowmen have stated, contact your Lodge Advisor, the Advisor should resolve any additional concerns. Scouting Forever and Venture on! Crew21 Adv

sevie11, Greetings! That may all depend on the dynamics of your troop. They will usually need to be counted in for groceries and menu for campouts, during patrol corners. If you have a very young troop. The SPL/ASPL may need rank advancement as well. If they are Life and Eagle, they may be better at leading advancment training during patrol corners. If you have an interactive game (or inter-patrol activity) to re-inforce the skill learned. They shouldn't be left out of the educational fun. So it depends on their maturity. How many instructors, troop guides that you have, and more details. For a large troop, they may be free to roam and conduct business, dues, backpack inspections, etc. But if you only have 2 patrols (about 16 Scouts), I would include my SPL/ASPL into the patrol corners. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Once, Greetings! You've already listed the licensing page in your question. I've also recently heard phrases such as "marketing the brand" and "losing the brand". The Insignia guide tells us what a CSP is, but not the difference in normal CSP, special event CSPs, special donation CSPs or anything else. All I know is that the CSPs need to be approved via the SE. I've never seen literature from National BSA that tells a Scout when he can wear a CSP in lieu of another CSP. I myself am a Scouter and Venturer, so I wear both a khaki shirt and a green shirt, depending on the event. In my area, we enjoy the council's CSP. There is the normal CSP and a few various special edition CSPs. The normal CSP background is light tan. It goes well with the Scout's khaki shirt, but it stand out brightly against the darker forest green Venturing shirt. I like my council's normal CSP; just not on my green shirt. My Venturing Crew designed a Venturing CSPs, with a fewer darker green, grey, and brown colors. Years ago, we sent the design to the council venturing advisor and the scout executive. Twice, just to be sure. We never heard anything back. We expected it would be considered a "speed bump" by the council store, to order, stock and to sell such a small amount of CSPs. So we took it as silence is golden. So, without a No. My Crew produced the CSPs. It is not a silly comical patch, or spoofing any other patch. It is just more of a Venturing quality, than a Cub Scout/Boy Scout image. If another Crew is interested, we sell them from our Crew. We don't make a profit off of them, as they are only rounded to the nearest 50 cents above cost. We don't put any special criteria on the patch (like earning a rank or contributing time/money) we only ask that purchasers do not Ebay them and don't sew them on the khaki uniform. It is not my crew's intention to be elitist, but we agreed, the khaki patch on the green shirt looks horrible and our Venturing CSP looks much better. Maybe 1/4 of the council Venturers wear our patch. Finally, we don't even actively sale them. We don't carry them to Venturing events. If other Venturers ask, "where did you get that patch", we said it's in our Crew store and refer them to email our Crew committee. So, Once_Eagle_Always_Eagle, I'd say design an idea. Email it to the SE (as sometimes there are roadblocks and speed bumps in the way), and request permission to proceed. Good Luck in creating a custom CSP that the Scouts can be proud of! Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv

Pack24NC, Greetings! There is a Cub Scout Ceremony handbook, that has many recommended ceremonies. It has been some time, but each year, in Sept, after school recruting and summer/fall training cycle, I would do a Den Leader Investment. It was very much shortened, but essentially all the DL's pass the flame to light a candle, and promise to lead their Dens throughout the year. Do good, deliver a program, etc, etc. Meaningful, but short. Congrats. High fives. and sit back down with their dens, just to come right back up for den recognitions, within a few seconds to minutes. The investment ceremony would last less than a minute to lite the candles and make a promise. Then, at the end of the school year, I would do adult training knots (recognitions). Essentially, at least twice a year, my DL's were recognized infront of their dens, the families, and their own sons. Their sons got to see their mother or father, promise to be a good leader, and then recognized for being a good leader. So.... I'd check out the Cub Scout Ceremony handbook, there are a few ideas in there and create your own New Trained Leader ceremony. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21_Adv

Thomas54 and Fellow Scouters, Greetings! My Troop meets similar to artjrk. I've seen this successfully done in other troops, and brought it to my troop years ago. Here is how my troop conducts these meetings. We previous held Committee and PLC on a different meeting night. But the attendance was low for both meetings. Most of it is dependent around the parents schedule (and/or) the willingness to drive a few miles. The boys that lived a distance from our meeting hall had to be driven by their PLC by the parents. So we may see 1 or 2 patrol leaders. The Committee members would have to give up another evening for committee, and unless it directly involved their son or was a tremendous amount of money, most committee members would not sacrifice another evening. So we cancelled the last regular troop meeting of each month, and placed PLC and Committee on that evening. (Separated by a 30 minute begin time). Between 2/3 up to 3/4 of the troop get the night off, and some parents enjoy this option. Working with our PLC, (good guys, but not always the most driven) it takes about an hour maybe up to an hour and fifteen minutes to complete thirty minutes of planning and work. Usually, the committee is taking care of certain administrative details, and the SM and ASMs walk in and report the program, program dates, transportation needs. Then the committee may re-visit a topic to satisfy the needs of the PLC quickly. So holding our PLC, then Committee meeting on a regular night, in lieu of a regular meeting has increase planning and attendance. The SM/ASM's don't know every detail the committee is deciding, but the SM/ASMs are aware of most every decision and most every topic, either in fine detail or overview. Scouting Forever and Venture On! Crew21 Adv